>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

VALE — Union took to the  course Saturday with a bull’s eye on its back.

The Bobcats boys cross country team began its state title defense at the Bully Creek Invite.

In typical fashion a pack of Union runners finished in the top — taking the third through sixth spots.

ASHLAND — A season with high expectations started on the right foot for the Mountaineer volleyball team Saturday.

EOU opened the Cascade Collegiate Conference schedule with the toughest road trip of the year — facing two of the top three teams from last season.

Not to mention sitting on a bus for seven and a half hours on the trip to Klamath Falls.

MARCOLA — Powder Valley football coach Skye Flanagan was “sky high” after his team defeated Mohawk, 38-32, Friday night.

With four minutes remaining in the game the Badgers scored on a 22-yard run. Mohawk then marched down the field and were poised to score. Trenton Dixon then intercepted a pass with a minute remaining, ending any Indian last-minute heroics.

The Badgers rallied from behind to beat the defending state champions. At halftime Powder Valley trailed 24-14.

PRAIRIE CITY — The Powder Valley volleyball team completed a long day with a second-place finish at the Prairie City tournament Saturday.

The Badgers fell in the championship game to Baker. “The first game was tight, the second we pulled out early and took the game. The third we fell apart and there was a loss of communication,” Powder Valley head coach Lasa Baxter said.

“We played very well for our first tournament. We do have a lot of adjustments to make. There was great competition at the tournament and we played well against them.”

LITTLE BULLDOZER: Jordyn Jackson may only be 5-feet-9, but he had enough to run over the Oredigger offense Saturday. Observer photos/BILL RAUTENSTRAUCH

As the dust settled, Camp had nothing but praise for the Bob Green-coached Montana Tech team, a Frontier Conference rival which had never before lost to Eastern.

“They played a hard-fought game,” Camp said. “What composure, to come back from 21 points down.”

HUSKY HOMECOOKING: Wil Burgess (right) and the Elgin football team dropped its home opener to Marsing of Idaho 13-7 Friday. - Observer file photo

With the stage set — the lights on and the sunset turning the clouds purple — the Huskies football team embarked on the 2008 season.

Unfortunately, before the game, Marsing of Idaho rolled into town — on two buses.

LEOPARD ON THE LOOSE: Cove’s Justin Brainerd finished with 37 yards on 14 carries during a 28-18 loss to St. Paul. - Observer file photo

Cove (1-1) fell 28-18 a week after knocking off 2007 state champion Mohawk.

“We came out flat,” Leopards head coach Todd Shirley said. “I’m not sure why.

“We had chances to get back in the game, but made a few big mistakes.”

STRIPPED AWAY: La Grande’s J.R. Yundt strips the ball from Vale running back Austin Hood during a 44-16 loss Friday night. - The Observer/BARRETT HENDERSON

The Vikings defeated the Tigers (0-2) Friday night, 41-16.

“We kept fighting and never quit,” La Grande head coach Matt Wolcott said. “Vale is a very good team. When people think Vale, they think football.”

HERMISTON — The La Grande cross country teams had a solid day at the Hermiston cross country invitational.

The host school, Hermiston, placed first on the girls and boys sides.

Are you ready for some football? Eastern Oregon Mountaineer players listen up as first-year head coach Tim Camp speaks to his team in preparation for Saturday’s season-opener against Montana Tech. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Community Stadium. - The Observer/CHRIS BAXTER

The “new’’ Mountaineers will open their 2008 campaign at home Saturday against Montana Tech. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Community Stadium.